Syria Relaunches the Gate Eight Project

Project Resumption Announced

Syria's Ministry of Public Works and Housing has announced the resumption of the "Gate Eight" project in the Yaafour area of Rif Dimashq, after years of suspension. The announcement coincided with the signing of a new contract annex between the General Housing Establishment and UAE-based Emaar Properties, in cooperation with the Overseas Investment Group, in a ceremony attended by Minister of Public Works and Housing Engineer Mustafa Abdul Razzaq.

Location and Total Area

The project is situated in Yaafour, approximately fifteen to twenty minutes from central Damascus (around 22 kilometres from the city centre), with convenient access via major road arteries, combining suburban tranquility with proximity to the capital. The development spans a total area of approximately 300,000 square metres.

Commercial and Leisure Components

The project features a modern commercial centre covering more than 200,000 square metres, housing over 250 retail outlets for both local and international brands. The complex also includes entertainment facilities, a variety of restaurants, and parking capacity for more than 2,300 vehicles.

Residential, Hotel, and Office Units

The built-up area designated for residential and hotel use amounts to approximately 196,000 square metres, comprising 600 residential and serviced apartments and 200 five-star hotel rooms. The development further includes modern office buildings in various configurations designed to meet the needs of local and international businesses.

Infrastructure and Historical Background

The project is equipped with an integrated services infrastructure encompassing security, maintenance, electricity, telecommunications, and internet connectivity, providing a suitable environment for living, working, and investment.

Originally launched in 2007 at a cost exceeding half a billion US dollars (approximately 500 million dollars), the project was planned for completion within six years. It was halted by the outbreak of the Syrian conflict, during which reports emerged of unlawful property acquisitions within and around the development. With today's relaunch, the completion of Gate Eight is expected to mark a significant milestone in real estate development in the greater Damascus area.

Emaar Moves to Sole Ownership

In a subsequent development, Emaar Properties announced on 18 May 2026 that it would exit the joint venture (JV) structure governing the project and develop the mixed-use scheme, valued at 500 million dollars, as a wholly owned development, operating in Syria without a partner. (A joint venture is a shared ownership arrangement between two or more parties.) Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar Properties, framed the decision as a vote of confidence, stating: "Our decision to exit the JV structure of The Eighth Gate is a statement of our unwavering belief in Syria and its people." This shift indicates that Emaar intends to carry full responsibility for delivering the development. The company stated it was "in the process of" exiting the structure, and did not publish a completion date for the transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Gate Eight project located?
It is located in Yaafour, Rif Dimashq, approximately fifteen to twenty minutes (around 22 kilometres) from central Damascus, with access via major road arteries.

How large is the development?
It spans a total area of approximately 300,000 square metres.

Who is developing the project?
The relaunch was announced through a new contract annex between the General Housing Establishment and Emaar Properties, in cooperation with the Overseas Investment Group. On 18 May 2026, Emaar Properties announced it would exit the joint venture structure and develop the project as a wholly owned development.

What does the project include?
It includes a commercial centre of more than 200,000 square metres with over 250 retail outlets, around 600 residential and serviced apartments, 200 five-star hotel rooms, modern office buildings, entertainment facilities, restaurants, and parking for more than 2,300 vehicles.

When was the project originally launched?
It was originally launched in 2007 at a cost exceeding half a billion US dollars (approximately 500 million dollars), with a planned completion within six years, before being halted by the Syrian conflict.

What is the estimated value of the project?
Reported figures place the project at approximately 500 million dollars.

Why did Emaar exit the joint venture?
Emaar's Founder, Mohamed Alabbar, described the decision as a statement of the company's belief in Syria and its people, with Emaar moving to develop the project as a wholly owned development.